graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassels are traditionally worn on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the start of the ceremony. During the event, graduates typically move the tassel to the left side after receiving their diploma or at a designated moment, symbolizing the completion of their studies. Tassel colors may vary by institution to represent specific degrees, honors, or fields of study, but wearing rules are often set by the school or university organizing the event. Always check with your specific institution for any additional guidelines, as practices can differ.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side. After graduation, it is moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of the degree.





why do you move your tassel from right to left


In many graduation ceremonies, especially in the United States, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side at the start of the event. Moving it to the left side signifies the completion of your degree and your official transition from student to graduate. This custom originated in American universities and is a symbolic gesture of academic achievement.





turning the tassel at graduation


Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel. Typically, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap during the event. At a key moment—often right after receiving a diploma or at the ceremony's end—the graduate moves the tassel to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their academic journey and their official transition from student to graduate.





graduation cap tassel color meaning


Graduation cap tassel colors often represent the wearer's field of study or degree type in academic ceremonies. Common meanings include:

- White: Arts, letters, humanities
- Drab (light brown): Business, accountancy
- Light blue: Education
- Orange: Engineering
- Brown: Fine arts
- Purple: Law
- Green: Medicine, health sciences
- Pink: Music
- Apricot: Nursing
- Dark blue: Philosophy
- Golden yellow: Science
- Maize: Agriculture

Colors can vary by institution, so it's best to check with the specific school for exact meanings.





tassel graduation


A tassel in graduation refers to the decorative cord or string attached to a mortarboard cap worn by graduates during ceremonies, commonly in educational traditions like those in the United States. It symbolizes academic achievement and is often color-coded to represent a specific degree, field of study, or institution. During the ceremony, the tassel is typically worn on the right side of the cap and flipped to the left side after the graduate receives their diploma, marking the transition from student to alumnus. This practice varies by country and school but is a widespread custom in English-speaking regions.





how to wear graduation cap tassel


To wear a graduation cap tassel, place the mortarboard cap on your head with the front point facing forward and the elastic or band secured under your chin if needed. Attach the tassel to the button or loop at the center top of the cap. Before the ceremony, position the tassel on the right side. During or after the ceremony, when instructed or to symbolize graduation, flip the tassel to the left side.





turning of the tassel script


Turning of the tassel is a traditional ritual in many English-speaking graduation ceremonies, particularly in the United States, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. During the ceremony, graduates wear caps with tassels initially positioned on the right side. At a designated moment, often after receiving diplomas or upon a cue from the presiding official, participants move the tassel to the left side. A typical script for this part might include the officiant saying: "Graduates, as you turn your tassels to the left, you mark the end of your studies and the beginning of your future endeavors. Please turn your tassels now." This act is a simple, symbolic gesture that concludes the formal academic recognition.